Fantasymovies, like many other works of speculative fiction in film, are judged more harshly by critics and audiences alike. Whether this is because of their campy elements or lackluster special effects, many aspects of fantasy stories are difficult to translate to the screen and easier to mess up. However, technical facets of a movie aren’t the only parts that are important, as the script, acting, and humor can all add much to the film. As time progresses and the trends of fantasy change,many older movies have been reassessed to be better than their Rotten Tomatoes scores.
It ultimately doesn’t matter how a film is reviewed when it comes to personal opinion.
While somemovies have a higher critic score than the audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, this doesn’t necessarily mean the film will stand the test of time. Filmmaking, like all art, is subjective, andone movie that might not connect with one audience member could arrive at a poignant time for another.It ultimately doesn’t matter how a film is reviewed when it comes to personal opinion. As long as a viewer’s experience of the film is positive, that means the movie has value. In some cases, a large group of audience members can help revitalize the film’s popularity.
Contemporary works of movies and TV have made it seem that the media has entered agolden age of video game adaptations.Warcraftcame out in the mid-2010s, when video game adaptations still weren’t as common,and the movie was partially misunderstood by audiences and critics who weren’t familiar with the games. It’s challenging to please everyone when adapting such a beloved work of fiction for the screen, andWarcraftstruggled to live up to the differing expectations for the film.
It expanded upon the conflict between humans and orcs set up in the games and pushed further into the development of its characters than many other fantasy movies do.
However, the fact thatWarcraftattempted to tell a deeper and more meaningful story with its high-profile platformis admirable. It expanded upon the conflict between humans and orcs set up in the games and pushed further into the development of its characters than many other fantasy movies do. Today, the effects and stylization of the orcs hold up surprisingly well, and the performances from the actors are a highlight of the film, as every character is brought to life with empathy and understanding.
76%
Masters of the Universe
Cast
Masters of the Universe follows the battle between He-Man and the evil Skeletor, who seizes Castle Grayskull with the mysterious Cosmic Key. As Skeletor gains power, He-Man allies with locksmith Gwildor to recover the weapon, leading both forces to Earth, where it inadvertently lands in the hands of two teenagers.
After the success ofBarbieand other live-action toys and animated TV show adaptations for Mattel, the new live-actionMasters of the Universemovie release datewill hopefully be within the next few years. Though the first attempt at translating the beloved franchise to live-action was a failure at the box office, few audience members have forgotten the iconic 1980s project. Starring Dolph Lundgren as He-man,the movie is a campy celebration of the best parts of ’80s fantasy movies and is a nostalgic addition to theHe-Mancanon.
While Lundgren physically fit the bill of playing He-Man,Frank Langella stole the show as Skeletor,He-Man’s sworn enemy.Masters of the Universeunderstands that a hero is only as good as his villainous counterpart, and this is an aspect the movie delivers. Enough time has passed forMasters of the Universeto be celebrated for its technical failures and be rewarded for the iconic style and storytelling that connected with so many young viewers at the time of its release.
Masters of the Universe (1987)
41%
Legend
Legend, released in 1985, is a fantasy film set in a mythical forest where a mystical forest dweller, chosen by fate, embarks on a heroic quest to rescue Princess Lili and thwart the evil Lord of Darkness, preventing the world from succumbing to an eternal ice age.
Legendis an underrated fantasy collaboration between Ridley Scott and a young Tom Cruisethat initially missed its mark but has amazing elements. Also featuring Tim Curry as the Lord of Darkness, one of the most terrifying fantasy villains of the 1980s,Legendisn’t afraid to get dark and push the boundaries of fantasy. Some of the best aspects ofLegendare the visuals and the set pieces, which immerse the viewer in the world of the story. While some of the creatures might look dated, the practical effects are on par with Scott’s other monsters.
It should be praised for conceiving an entirely new story when other studios were adapting traditional fairy tales.
Much of the narrative is a love story between Cruise’s Jack and Mia Sara’s Lili,and this is a welcome storyline considering how genuinely terrifying Darkness is. Though it’s not as gruesome or graphic as some of thebest R-rated fantasy movies,Legendstill has some intense scenes that are balanced by the softer moments. ThoughLegendis a less-known project for the creative team involved, it remains a uniquely original addition to the genre. It should be praised for conceiving an entirely new story when other studios were adapting traditional fairy tales.
73%
Ridley Scott’s Most Underrated Movie Is This 1985 Fantasy Flop Everyone Should See
Ridley Scott is best known for franchises like Blade Runner and Gladiator, but there’s one movie from the director that is seriously underrated.
Practical Magic
Practical Magic is a romantic fantasy film directed by Griffin Dunne, featuring Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman as sisters Sally and Gillian Owens, born into a family of witches. Living under a curse that dooms any man they fall in love with to an untimely death, the sisters navigate love, loss, and their magical heritage while confronting family secrets and societal prejudices.
Critics and audiences couldn’t be more divided about the legacy and impact ofPractical Magic, asthe cult classic starring Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman is a fall favorite for many viewers.Based on the novel of the same name by Alice Hoffman,Practical Magicmakes some changes from the source material but is just as much of a romance as the book. However, for all the romantic elements of the movie, the most important message is about the bond of sisterhood and embracing oneself for who you truly are.
The fantasy inPractical Magiccomes in through the fact that Sally (Bullock) and Gillian (Kidman) are witches, and they must use their combined powers to stop a curse put on Gillian. Tonally,Practical Magichas its ups and downs, as it oscillates between dark and heavy subjects like grief and more campy humorous moments. However,the aesthetics of the movie are cohesive and match the story perfectly.Both the dark and happy scenes inPractical Magiccome together to make the film a solid fantasy rom-com.
Terry Gilliam’s comedic fantasy adventure,Jabberwocky, has long been misunderstood,like some of Gilliam’s other fantasy movies that are well-remembered but received lukewarm critical reception. Only a few years after Gilliam collaborated with Monty Python onMonty Python and the Holy Grail, he directedJabberwockyby himself, and much of his later creative sensibilities can be seen in the project. Starring Michael Palin as Dennis Cooper, a misguided young man who’s underappreciated by his loved ones and leaves his small village to seek his fortune.
Gilliam’s films are satirical, but they’re also imbued with respect and love for the other works they reference and are in conversation with.
Jabberwockymakes many tongue-in-cheek jabs at the fantasy genreand fairy tales likeAlice Through The Looking Glassand theLegends of King Arthur, but they’re all in good fun. Gilliam’s films are satirical, but they’re also imbued with respect and love for the other works they reference and are in conversation with. Dennis is a bumbling but relatable hero, and he’s a welcome change from the overpowered protagonists who usually are at the center of fantasy adventures.
47%
5Hawk The Slayer (1980)
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score: 40%
Hawk the Slayeradheres to the classic tropes of the sword and sorcery story,but that doesn’t mean that it doesn’t have original elements or a fun premise. Starring a young John Terry as Hawk,Hawk the Slayersees him fight Voltan (Jack Palance), his brother, in a fight for power and succession that’s similar to great works of historical fiction. After their father denies Voltan the sword and magic of the kingdom and gives it to Hawk, a deadly battle ensues.
As time has progressed, more audiences have discoveredHawk the Slayerand its merits, enjoying the look of the effects and the performances. The ensemble is filled with great character actors like W. Morgan Sheppard, and the team that Hawk assembles to save the day has many of the familiar fantasy archetypes audiences see today. Additionally,the dynamic between Hawk and Voltan is complex and compelling enough to carry the film.
Hawk the Slayer (1980)
57%
Zardoz
Zardoz, directed by John Boorman, is a 1974 science fiction film set in a dystopian future. Sean Connery stars as Zed, an exterminator who uncovers the truth about the god-like entity Zardoz, who controls his society. The film explores themes of class division and human evolution within a surreal and complex narrative.
Sean Connery is unrecognizable inZardoz, a sci-fi fantasy film set thousands of years in the futurethat was written and directed by John Boorman. Also starring Charlotte Rampling, the off-beat project features amazing actors pushing themselves out of their comfort zone in a new and innovative story. The world ofZardozsees a conflict brewing between the Eternals and the Brutals, as the Brutals are kept in a lower social standing and forced to serve the Eternals. Since the Eternals are immortal, they’ve descended into a dystopian future of self-medicating and betrayals similar to narratives likeBrave New World.
Connery plays Zed, a Brutal who gains access to the world of the Eternals and sees that though they live in luxury, their lives have lost meaning.
Connery plays Zed, a Brutal who gains access to the world of the Eternals and sees that though they live in luxury, their lives have lost meaning. Though the world ofZardozcan be confusing and convoluted,the central themes and messages of the story are timeless and poignant.As Zed, Connery distinguishes himself from his past role as James Bond and becomes a fantasy adventurer worth following.Zardozcomments on immortality as a concept and what it would do to the human race if it were possible.
53%
Season of the Witch
Season of the Witch is a 2011 action fantasy movie starring Nicolas Cage. Set in the 14th century, Season of the Witch focuses on knights escorting a potential witch to a group of monks who suspect she could be the cause of the Black Plague. The film was directed by Dominic Sena.
Nicolas Cage, Ron Perlman, Claire Foy, and Robert Sheehan are all part of the reason thatSeason of the Witchshould be reassessed and treated with more interest. Set in the 14th century,Season of the Witchfollows Cage and Perlman’s characters after deserting their company of knights.They’re coerced into transporting Anna (Foy), a woman accused of witchcraft, to a monastery where she will be cleansed of her powers. However, it soon turns out there’s much more to her than accusations of magic.
Season of the Witchquickly delves into religious territory and is deeply linked to the narratives of demons and exorcisms that populate lots of horror films. However,Season of the Witchis more fantasy than horror because it’s more focused on the action and adventurethat accompany the threat of demons rather than the terror. Though Cage’s performance was knocked by critics, there’s still a lot to enjoy inSeason of the Witchand plenty of thrilling fight sequences.
Season of the Witch (2011)
30%
Krull
Krull follows a prince who, along with a group of companions, embarks on a quest to rescue his bride from a fortress controlled by alien invaders that have descended upon their planet. Released in 1983, this science fiction fantasy film intertwines elements of adventure and heroism.
Krullis a nostalgic favorite from the director Peter Yates that features a young Liam Neeson in a small role. Ken Marshall plays the protagonist, Colwyn, a prince who’s set to marry Princess Lyssa (Lysette Anthony) to unite their warring kingdoms. However, their plans are thwarted by the evil Beast, who kidnaps Lyssa and tries to sabotage Colwyn. Much ofKrullrevolves around the idea that the love between Colwyn and Lyssa is what will heal the realm of Krull and send the Beast and his minions back into space.
There are elements of sci-fi along with the magic and fantasy creatures found inKrull.
There are elements of sci-fi along with the magic and fantasy creatures found inKrull. The sci-fi aspects have to do with the Beast’s arrival on the planet while the rest of the story is made up of mystical forces and legendary prophecies.Strong visuals and solid direction make up for some of whatKrulllacks,but the movie was reviewed a little too harshly when it premiered. ThoughKrulldoesn’t push boundaries with its storytelling it still warrants remembering.
52%
Bewitched
Bewitched is a romantic comedy directed by Nora Ephron, starring Nicole Kidman as a real witch cast in a remake of a classic TV series, with Will Ferrell as her clueless co-star. The film explores the blending of reality and fiction as the two navigate their personal and professional lives. Shirley MacLaine and Michael Caine also star in this charming twist on the beloved original sitcom.
Nora Ephron’s updated take on the beloved TV showBewitchedwas one of her worst-received projects, but the iconic writer and director knew what she was doing.The movie is filled with the classic quips and one-liners Ephron is known for,and Kidman gets to flex her comedic muscles alongside a charming Will Ferrell. In conversation with other worth of romance and fantasy,Bewitchedpays tribute to the original TV series while exploring the issues of Hollywood.
Part of the reasonBewitchedwasn’t as well-received as itsfantasyTV counterpart is likely because audiences assumed the movie was going to be more similar to the series. However,Bewitchedwas firmly set in the present day and expanded upon the formulaic elements of the older sitcom.It attempted to be an original work that deviated from expectationsand took advantage of the chemistry between Kidman and Ferrell. The magic of Hollywood blends well with the magic of romance in the underrated Ephron project.
28%
